Head coach Bobby Hurley ended ASU men's basketball's attempted comeback with two late technicals resulting in ejection and three points for Arizona.
“I really wouldn’t have changed anything that I did today in terms of anything that happened,” he said after the game.
He shouldn’t regret it. Not really, at least. ASU men’s basketball has desperately needed an injection of enthusiasm.
Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley picks up his 2nd technical and is ejected from the game with 59.6 to go #Pac12 https://t.co/qUycVNs92t
— FS1 (@FS1) January 3, 2016
As he stormed off the court, the crowd — and Twitter — was in a frenzy.
Coach Hurley for president
— Michael Bercovici (@MikeBerco) January 3, 2016
Bobby Hurley is my new hero. #ASU pic.twitter.com/vNf7I07JFH
— Alex Gallant (@AlexJGallant) January 3, 2016
Don’t even care how bad it is to get tossed in what was a 6-point game. This was glorious. https://t.co/FEVdpoORHu
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 3, 2016
This is the best moment in ASU basketball history https://t.co/YlGLsw0Q80
— Connor Pelton (@ConnorPelton28) January 3, 2016
Fan can’t be happy about a loss to Arizona. But, for the first time I can remember, they’re not absolutely livid. They’re excited. They can’t wait to get a rematch. They can’t wait to see what Hurley does next.
Willie Atwood said he ignites the team.
“We try to get the fire from him because he really fights for us hard and we play hard for him,” he said.
Gerry Blakes said the enthusiasm helps the team.
“We appreciate him fighting for us like he does, that’s big for us and ultimately that intensity rubs off on us,” he said.
Hurley must learn to control his emotions. ASU can’t afford to give great teams free baskets, especially late in the game.
However, with a strong start on the court and an intense presence on the bench, the fans have a greater reason to fill up the stands.
“I always want the spotlight to be on the performers and the guys in the game and it shouldn’t be about anything more than that,” Hurley said. “And that goes for all of us. It goes for coaches, officials, everyone. It should always be about the players. Players should decide the game.”
Reach the sports editor at logan.newman@asu.edu or follow @Logan_Newsman on Twitter.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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